Winner and Why – Alexander
Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Initially I was split 50/50 between Amir Khan and Devon Alexander, being that both fighters are bringing equally interesting styles to the table. With all things considered, I give Devon Alexander the edge. I believe the improvement he has made in several months’ time is drastic enough to give Khan one of the most important fights of his career.
Though Khan claims he is not overlooking Alexander, I cannot help but sense he is focusing more on this fight as a gateway to Floyd Mayweather than on the bout itself. Perhaps in an enigmatic way, the possibility of facing Mayweather is highly motivating for Khan. The more obvious and likely answer is that Khan is treating Alexander like the breadbasket before the big steak arrives.
The bottom line is that Khan should be taking Alexander more seriously than he is. Both fighters have an equal chance of doing well should their given style prevail in the ring, but I believe Alexander has more of the right kind of grit and patience it takes to seal the deal should the bout become neck-and-neck.
In order to impose one’s style and will on an opponent, at least in testing situations, a fighter must know who he is. When I look at Alexander, I see a fighter who knows who he is, even though he’s had to refine his skills in order to improve.
When I look at Khan, I see a fighter who knows who he is trying to be, but has yet to master himself—and this is what shakes my confidence in him.
